Empire

This show has way TOO many try hard (catch your attention) moments. It would be a lot better if they would take their foot off the gas pedal a little. (Actually a lot) It's like watching a TV series of Jerry Springer meets Hustle & Flow on steroids. The music however is great...which sounds better than 80% of the garbage that is out at this moment. But there is so much going on, along with so many special guest appearances, it's like they're trying so hard to build it up that it's going to make it even harder to follow up throughout the next seasons afterward. Family issues, guns, drugs, thugs, FBI, corruption, backstabbing, infidelity...only thing they're missing is aliens and terrorist. Wait...the season isn't over with...maybe they'll put terrorist and aliens in the next show. Wouldn't surprise me.

The Good:

This show is nothing without Taraji. She steals every scene she is in (with her on fleek outfits, her low laugh, her tigress growl, etc.). I heart Hakeem - his sublime rapping, his boyish charm -- yas please If Beyonce and Rihanna had a daughter, it would be Serayah. Most of the music is superb (catchy, edgy, etc.) The cameos are priceless (sometimes it's pleasantly surprising, sometimes it's funny, at times slightly embarrassing, but always entertaining)

The Bad:

Terrence Howard rapping makes me cringe (sorry) Jamal has a great voice but it seems like he is singing the same song over and over and over (and over) again... Shut up Andre

All things considered, this show is pretty awesome =)

I had to stop watching after the first season because the show promotes the worst stereotypes of the african-american community.

All in all this is a good series to watch. Great stories and loads of great music which for me is the best part. What doesn't get it to the top series is the unfortunate end which was in part due to COVID and partly it was poorly done for the overall story with empire.

Somewhat stereotypical, and certainly clichéd writing, but captivating, particularly as performed by 2 of my favorite actors, Taraji P. Henson & Terrence Howard, ever since seeing them in one of my favorite gritty, touching movies, Hustle & Flow.

Like that infamous film, there will be welcome music. A flashback scene in the pilot episode almost harks back to that time they worked together.

Can't help but feel personally invested in its characters, which may be biased since I so admire the work of the actors playing the roles.

"A unique family drama set in the world of a hip hop empire." Pretty sure it's the first series featuring that premise.

Enjoying so far, and anxious to watch where it goes.